Richard Haddock

HISTORY shows us there are few times when government ministers have even listened to, let alone acted upon, what might be termed the voice of the people.

But to his credit, at least Michael Gove has asked for the people’s views on something – so maybe we can presume he intends at least to listen to what he is told.

The topic is the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, which many farmers have had in their sights for a very long time. Mainly because of the way it has delivered them so little tangible value in return for the huge compulsory levies it relieves them of.

In theory, the AHDB is supposed